Abstract: Objective To investigate the management and prognosis of emergent colon obstruction with cancer. Methods Forty-five elderly cases with bowel obstruction caused by colonic cancers were recruited during the past five years, all of whom were treated with intraoperative decompression, on-table lavage, resection and anastomosis. Among them, 25 tumors were located on the left side of the colon, while 20 on the right. Concerning the heavy contamination during operation, 8 wounds were left open and dressing changing for 4~5 days before ternary closure. Results There were no anastomotic leakage observed, all patients were safely discharged, there was no significant difference in the postoperative complications between right or left side bowel obstruction, and ternary wound closure shortened its healing process. Conclusion Primary resection and anastomosis is acceptable for emergency colonic obstruction both for left and right sides in elderly patients.

Key words: colonic cancer, bowel obstruction, intraoperative irrigation, one-stage anastomosis